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How It Works:
Immigration: Coming to America is a thematic unit that
explores the history of immigration in America and the richness of our
multicultural society. Students will recall the arrival and hardships of
early immigrants; the dreams of freedom and liberty that brought them to
America’s shore, and our lasting symbols of hope and freedom.
Immigration: Coming to America introduces the meaning/concept of
liberty and the sacrifices and hardships many people have endured to achieve
it.
Through this unit, students will gain a greater appreciation for the
freedom and liberty they enjoy as citizens, and also develop tolerance and
empathy for new immigrant, and place a greater value on the cultural
diversity that is the fabric of our American traditions.
Using new
technologies, students will research and create computer generated projects
that reflect the meaning of Liberty/Freedom and narrates the long journey of
those who continue to seek these rights in coming to America. This unit
incorporates hands-on and project-based lessons to enhance student learning
and critical thinking skills.
Standards:
Social Science:
Learn about the arrival of early immigrants to Ellis Island.
Explain the history of Ellis Island.
Learn about the immigration experience from the late 1800s
through the early 1920s.
Compare and contrast the immigrant experience.
Identify famous immigrants to America.
Research the contributions of famous immigrants to America.
Learn about the history and symbolism of the
Statue of Liberty.
Math:
Practice reading and understanding information in a table.
Convert data into a graph
Technology:
Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a
variety of tasks.
Select and use a variety of web resources to gather appropriate data.
Use graphics programs for a variety of purposes including multimedia.
Use integrated software packages.
Estimated Class Periods To Complete:
10 or more
Software Materials Used:
Internet connection, computers, printers, selected literature,
handouts/worksheets, KidPix, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint,
Microsoft Excel, art supplies, maps, globes.
Keywords:
immigration, symbolism, liberty, immigrant, multicultural, steerage,
exclusion, graph, table
Students:
This project is designed for 6th grade geography students, but
can be modified for lower grades.
Overall:
The intent of this project is to provide an opportunity for students to
gain an appreciation for the diversity of our American Society. America has
a rich tradition and history of being a beacon of hope and freedom to the
world. America represents a shining example to all nations of the world on
the importance of liberty and freedom for its entire people regardless of
race, gender, or creed.
Yesterday as still today, people around the world
come by foot, boats and on planes holding on to the dream of being free.
This unit provides an excellent beginning for multicultural studies and
tolerance education. All throughout our nation, our schools and communities
reflect the cultural richness of America and embodied the enduring
principles of life, liberty, and happiness that first brought our
forefathers upon this new land.
This unit bridges the walls that often
divides our nation and expands the students’ understanding of the principles
that keeps America’s freedom light burning. Through the use of new
technologies, student can experience first-hand the experiences of early
immigrants. This project integrates multimedia to both captivate and
enhance the learning of students. Students are engaged in a variety of
tasks that are collaborating, motivating, and meaningful.
Tips:
Create a checklist of all materials.
Photocopy handouts/worksheets days ahead.
Bookmark all Internet sites.
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About the Teacher:
Morris Gil is in his 12th year in Miami Dade County Public
Schools. He is the Technology Resource Teacher at Fienberg Fisher
Elementary. He is responsible for all the technology training and
management of the school-wide network. Morris is also the Parent Trainer for
the Citibank FamilyTech program at his school.
He has been a Middle School Social
Studies Teacher and Team Leader. He has worked in the private sector as a
Training Specialist in Educational Technology. He holds a Master’s Degree
in Educational Leadership/School Administration.
Subjects:
Social Science and Math
Grade Levels:
5th and 6th grade
Email Morris
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